CRC ORE Program:

 Program 3: Extract (P3-008)

ORE

 
Callan Lowes calibrating the
REFLUX Classifier fluidisation
during a recent run

PhD Topic:

Recovery and concentration of gold ores by coarse particle gangue rejection in a REFLUXTM classifier

Institution:

University of Newcastle

Research Supervisors:

Laureate Prof Kevin Galvin and Dr James Zhou

Expected Completion:

February 2020

Meet Callan Lowes:

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Callan Lowes is a current PhD student at the Centre for Advanced Particle Processing and Transport, University of Newcastle, Australia. He was awarded a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) in November 2016 before commencing his PhD candidature in 2017 as part of the AMIRA P420F project.

Callan’s research investigates applying the REFLUXTM Classifier (RC) as a pre-concentration strategy in mineral processing, a project which could deliver significant benefits in improving the economic and environmental sustainability of mining.

Upon completion of his PhD, Callan hopes to apply his knowledge of the REFLUXTM Classifier to continue contributing to research projects in the field of mineral processing.

Focus area:

Recovery and concentration of gold ores by coarse particle gangue rejection in a REFLUXTM classifier.

As ore grades decline, operating costs per tonne of metal produced increase, decreasing mining productivity. One potential solution is to pre-concentrate ore by removing waste particles at the coarsest possible particle size. This process is known as coarse particle gangue rejection.

This research applies the REFLUXTM Classifier, a relatively recent innovation in gravity concentration. It combines the effect of a fluidised bed with a set of parallel inclined channels, to reject coarse waste particles while concentrating the valuable mineral prior to energy intensive milling.

This CRC ORE and AMIRA funded work applies this system to reduce energy and water consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimise the environmental impact of mining.